5 Foods To Eat Yourself Slim

What if I told you that you can eat more but still slim down? By adding these foods to your diet, you can cut out other foods that don't serve your body, yet still promote weight loss. On top of that, you'll NEVER be hungry again, because these foods will fill you up and keep you satisfied.  

Here's a list of my top 5 foods for promoting weight loss without leaving you hungry. Go ahead, fill up on these foods, and I promise you'll see the pounds fall off:

Grapefruit

Grapefruits are low in calories, high in enzymes, and full of healthy carbohydrates that will keep you full. There is a compound in the fruit that lowers insulin (the fat-storage hormone) which can lead to weight loss. Cut up a half grapefruit for your next breakfast meal, and see how you feel. 

Cucumbers

With 95% water content, cucumbers are a wonderful low-calorie food for flushing out your system. Sprinkle some cucumbers with lemon juice, a tablespoon of nutritional yeast and some paprika, and you've got a wonderful light lunch or snack. I suggest you choose the Persian cucumbers, as I think they taste better and are sized perfectly for portion control.

Kiwi

Loaded with vitamin c, vitamins, and minerals, kiwi is a slimming food because it keeps things moving in the digestive system. Not only are kiwis delicious, but when eaten on an empty stomach they can do wonders for your slim-plan. Kiwi is a great snack or after-dinner treat.

Kale

Full of fiber, calcium, and nutrients, kale is a green superfood that will lead you to optimum health and wellness. Aim to have some sort of kale every day! Have kale raw, juiced, blended, baked, dehydrated, or sauteed, and you'll be on your way to slim-ville. This leafy green is filling, hearty and delicious ... and the more you eat it, the more you'll crave it. I promise.  

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a powerhouse food that will change your life. When mixed with liquid, chia seeds gel up into a pudding-like texture, which is perfect for breakfast, snack or dessert. Mix up some chia seeds with almond milk, dates/maple syrup, and some cacao nibs, and you won't believe that you're making yourself slimmer. 

Top 10 Foods For Detoxing

With a new year and changes in season, it’s typical to come across countless articles and advertisements

about detoxing and cleansing, from companies selling their powdery shakes and strangely-sweetened bars, to professionals recommending crazy fasts and liquid cleanses. While there are plenty of decent detoxing programs out there, the good news is that nature provides lots of help in this department on her own. Below are 10 detoxing superstars you can find in the produce section. Incorporate these often to jumpstart your body’s automatic and natural cleansing work.

Beets

Beets are awesome. They are full of nutrients and are a great source of vitamins B3, B6 and C, plus beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron. They assist our liver and gall bladder in breaking down toxins, and their fiber is great for digestion and elimination. Shredded raw beets are the best (eat some on top of a big pile of greens with a sprinkle of lemon juice -- those toxins won't even see it coming!).

Lemons

Lemons jump-start digestion by stimulating the release of enzymes and Vitamin C helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that can be easily eliminated from the body. Lemons also help stimulate the liver and purify our blood!

Apples

Apples also give us lots of fiber and nutrients and help stimulate bile production, which the liver uses to release toxins. The soluble fiber in apples, pectin, is helpful in removing heavy metals and food additives from our bodies. Be sure to eat only organic apples, as conventional apples are some of the most heavily-sprayed foods around.

Green Veggies

What we want from green veggies is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll rids the body of environmental toxins, heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides Make sure you get lots of green things in your diet -- leafy greens, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, sprouts, dandelion teas, chlorella supplements... whatevs. Aiding in detox, increasing oxygen content, and purifying the blood, greens are the essential building blocks of any healthy and vibrant diet. (Plus, they make you glow. I'm serious.)

Garlic

Raw garlic is totally amazing. It has powerful antiviral, antiseptic and antibiotic properties. Garlic helps stimulate the liver into producing detoxification enzymes that help filter toxins from the digestive system. As I like to say, "go garlic or go home!" (Or, perhaps better yet, "go garlic or get sick!")

Sea Veggies

Sea veggies have crazy antioxidants that help alkalize the blood and strengthen our digestive tract. The alginic acid in sea veggies absorb toxins from this digestive tract. They also have the broadest range of minerals you can find in any food! If you're hesitant to get busy with seaweeds, buy dulse flakes and use in salads, soups, and stir-fries instead of salt.

Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts get their own big shout out! Broccoli sprouts contain important phytochemicals that aid in the detox processs at rates much higher than grown-up broccoli (which is still really, really good for you). These phytochemicals stimulate detoxification enzymes in the digestive tract. They are also extremely high in antioxidants!

Green Tea

Speaking of, you should all know by now that green tea is a great big source antioxidants, one of which are catechins. Catechins increase liver function, which we want. Plus, drinking green tea aids us in hydrating our bodies. Woot woot!

Artichokes

Artichokes increase bile production and both purify and protect the liver. They also have a mild diuretic effect on the kidneys, which aides in toxin removal once the liver breaks them down. Some studies have shown that artichokes may actually regenerate liver tissues (It is seriously all about the liver). They are also super duper high in fiber, which, as we know, helps us with elimination.

Cilantro

Another green food that gets a special mention is cilantro. Cilantro is aces for ridding the body of heavy metals (not the loud and fun kind; these jerks can lead to depression, cancer, hormone and thyroid problems, and lots more). The chemical compounds in cilantro actually bind to these toxins, loosening them from the blood, tissues, and organs and assisting with their elimination from the body. Rock on, cilantro. Rock on.

10 Best Superfoods for Women

Food is an important part of pleasure. And getting — and staying — healthy can often be as simple as

optimizing what we eat. But how do you know what to pick in a sea of endless grocery stores choices? How do we eat healthy and delicious?Here are 10 of my personal staple foods to include regularly in your diet. This is not an exhaustive list: there are literally hundreds of amazing fruits and vegetables to choose from, many different nuts and seeds, beans, whole grains, and other foods that comprise an optimal diet. But these are the food “must haves” for maintaining vitality — at any age.Enjoy these versatile and scrumptious foods on their own — a bowl of fresh berries, a handful of nuts, or a ripe avocado. Or transformed into a simple, delectable meal, for example, broiled salmon and sautéed kale with toasted walnuts. And of course, there’s one of my best food pals — dark chocolate!

Dark Leafy Greens

The richest dark green leafy vegetables are kale, collard greens, and broccoli. They are a low-calorie source of phytoestrogens, plant steroids that help us to maintain hormonal balance. They are rich in numerous important nutrients including iron, calcium, folate, vitamins K, C, E, and B vitamins. Folate is especially important during pregnancy for ensuring proper neural tube development of the embryo, and has been shown to be important for heart health. Leafy greens are antioxidant-rich, protecting our cells, including our skin and eyes, from environmental and age-related damage. They can be eaten steamed, sautéed, in soups, or raw in salads (collards are best eaten cooked).

Nuts

Nuts are filling and satisfying. They can be eaten alone as an energy boosting, blood sugar stabilizing snack, as a condiment on salads, grains, or in yogurt or whole grain cereals such as granola and oatmeal. They are nutrient dense, loaded with protein, good quality fats, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, folate, vitamin E, and Vitamin A. They are also delicious. Walnuts and almonds are amongst the healthiest, both known to lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and fight cancer. Almonds may actually help you lose weight, including belly fat. In one study folks who added almonds to a low calorie diet were better able to keep weight off. Nuts are an important part of the Portfolio Diet, an alternative to using cholesterol-lowering medications to control serum cholesterol levels. Keep a small bag of nuts in your pocket to munch if your blood sugar gets low during a busy workday. How many? A recommended daily portion is about 12 walnut halves or 28 almonds.

Avocados

Avocados are lean-green-power-machines! Yes, they are high in fat, but girls, we’ve gotta separate the good oils from the bad. The oils in avocados are the good kind: the monounsaturated fats. Avocados are heart healthy, help keep your weight in control, and contain plant sterols, which help lower cholesterol. They are loaded with nutrients including potassium, magnesium, folate, protein, and vitamins B6, E, and K, as well as fiber. Eating 1/2 an avocado daily is a reasonable amount; if you are concerned about your weight, keep it to 1/4 avocado daily.

Whole Grains

Carbs are considered villains in the dieting world, but they shouldn’t be. In reality, whole grains such as oats, brown rice, millet, barley, quinoa, and buckwheat should be a central part of our daily diet. There are numerous different whole grains. All are delicious and provide complex carbohydrates, which are filling and provide long-lasting energy, especially when combined with a high quality protein and good quality fat such as olive oil. Additionally, they provide B-vitamins, minerals, fiber, and are low in fat. Fiber is essential not only for preventing constipation, but for the health of the gut bacteria and appropriate processing and elimination of excess hormones.

Beans & Soy

There is a huge variety of delicious beans and legumes including kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, garbanzo beans (chick peas), and lentils, to name a few. Soybeans can be eaten as tofu (silken, soft, firm), edamame, tempeh, and soymilk. All are dense sources of high quality protein, carbohydrates, and nutrients including iron and calcium, both of which are especially important for women’s health. Beans are high in fiber and low in fat, and are rich in phytoestrogens. Beans also contain something called “resistant starch” which helps us to burn fat and control blood sugar. Beans take a long time to cook, which is not always convenient; canned beans are a good alternative to cooking them yourself. Cooking your beans with cumin can prevent you from getting gas. They can also be eaten as spreads and dips (hummus is perhaps the most famous of these). 

Berries

Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, bilberries, and others, are some of the healthiest — and most beautiful — foods in our gardens and markets. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and numerous other health-promoting vitamins and trace minerals. More importantly, many are rich in anthrocyanidins, a chemical that not only gives berries their vibrant colors, but provides us with powerful antioxidant effects that protect our blood vessels, helping to protect our hearts, protect us from vascular damage, prevent varicose veins (which includes hemorrhoids), protect and improve our eyesight, reduce inflammation, and prevent cancer. Berries are delicious alone or in salads, yogurt, or oatmeal. And frozen berries are practically as nutritious as fresh, when they are not available in season. How many to eat? 1-2 cups daily.

Olive Oil (Cold Pressed, Extra Virgin)

Olive oil is a staple in Greece and Italy where people are amongst the healthiest – and happiest – in the world! It can be used in salad dressings, on fish, whole grains, pasta, and in fresh vegetable dips. Olive oil is a key food in the heart healthy Mediterranean style diet, which is known to lower cholesterol and prevent stroke, diabetes, and cancer. How much daily? 2 tablespoons. To learn more about eating a Mediterranean diet read Eat, Drink and Be Healthy by Dr. Walter Willett.

Yogurt

Yogurt and fermented dairy products (i.e., kefir) are traditional foods in many cultures. Yogurt provides probiotics that promote digestion, prevent gas and bloating, can prevent and treat irritable bowel syndrome, and may even help treat ulcerative colitis. Healthy bowel flora is also important in helping the body eliminate extra hormones. Greek yogurt is especially flavorful and light, and because of its lower fat content, is actually higher in calcium and protein than regular yogurt, but all types are healthy as long as they contain live active cultures. Amount? A 6-8 oz. serving provides about ¼ of your daily calcium needs; up to 3 servings daily is appropriate for those who eat dairy. Avoid sugar-sweetened yogurt and instead opt for fruit-sweetened, and always opt for an organic choice to avoid potential hormones and environmental chemicals in conventional dairy products.

Fish

Fatty fish, particularly Wild Alaskan Salmon and sardines, provide high quality protein along with a healthy dose of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are important for your health literally right down to your cell walls! The fatty acids are heart healthy, may protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease, and are important in pregnancy, while fish is low in calories and high in energy-sustaining protein. Canned Wild Alaskan Salmon and sardines are quick and easy protein sources to serve up with a meal when you don’t have time to cook. How often? Eat about 6 oz. of these fish up to twice weekly, also an acceptable amount for pregnant women.

Dark Chocolate

Ok, yeah, I know you think I’m teasing you here, or making some excuse for my almost daily chocolate indulgence, but it’s true! Dark chocolate is super rich in antioxidants that help keep your blood vessels, cells, and nerves in prime condition by protecting against damage from free radicals. It’s also chock-full o’ magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, and phosphorus, minerals important for bone strength. Recent studies have shown that healthy people who eat small amount of chocolate daily (any kind, in fact, not just dark!) tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who eat chocolate less often. It can also help control blood pressure. Giving yourself permission to eat about an ounce of dark chocolate each day might also stave off your cravings for less healthy sweets. And it’s a daily pleasure most of us are happy to indulge in! Some additional basics to keep in mind: When possible, go organic. This should be a priority for meats, dairy, and the most heavily pesticided fruits and vegetables (this includes apples and strawberries). Get your calories from healthy foods; avoid high calorie beverages including fruit juice, sodas, and sweetened coffee and tea products. Drink water, water with lemon, carbonated water (flavored is fine, just no sugar or sugar substitutes), and green tea. Purchase foods in as little packaging and as close to their natural states as possible. Eat a wide variety of colors in your diet and avoid white carbs and white sugar.

5 Natural Ways To Balance Your Hormones

Many of the people faces with the same story: "My doctor says my test results are normal—but I still feel like my hormones are out-of-whack. Can herbs help?" 

Their symptoms vary. One woman might have painfully swollen pimples. Another has menstrual cramps that keep her home from work, while another has scanty periods that are more like brown spotting than the menstrual cycles she used to have. 

Even though the recommendations I give each client are different depending on her unique body type and situations, the gist of my answer is always the same: you're not crazy, and yes, herbs can help. 

If you're struggling with your own hormonal balance, I want to tell you the same thing. Trust your intuition, and know that herbs (and healing foods) can really help.

So if you find yourself wondering about how to give your own hormones a helping hand, I have some easy tips for you to try:

1. Remove hormone-disrupting chemicals from your food, water, and environment. 

Buy organic whenever possible and always avoid "The Dirty Dozen" unless you purchase the organic varieties. Use a filtration system for your water. Avoid BPA and pthalates. 

2. Feed your liver. 

Your liver breaks down excess hormones that the body is no longer using. To do its job well, it needs phytonutrients from cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and cauliflower. It also needs sulfur compounds found in garlic and onions. Include these foods in your daily diet. 

3. Use liver-supporting herbs for an extra boost. 

Dandelion root, burdock root, and milk thistle seeds are some of the best (and safest) liver-clearing herbs. You can take them as teas or tinctures—or even sprinkle whole milk thistle seeds on your food. (Caution: avoid using liver herbs if you're taking prescription medication unless your physican or pharmacist gives you the OK.) 

4. Don't be afraid of phytoestrogens!

There's a lot of misinformation about these so-called "plant estrogens." The truth is, plant estrogens can actually help with excess estrogen activity in humans because they compete with the stronger human estrogens. Foods like soy and strawberries and herbs like Red Clover are perfectly fine to include in your diet, even if you have hormonal woes. 

5. Ensure good pelvic circulation. 

If you touch your lower belly and it's cold, you may want to work on your pelvic circulation. Self-massage with sesame oil that has a few drops of ginger essential oil mixed in is a wonderful option. You could also burn Moxa sticks over your lower belly or apply a compress of hot tea made with fresh ginger. This is especially important if your menstrual cycle begins or ends with a lot of dark brown blood. 

I hope these tips will help you to take your hormonal balance into your own hands. As always, consult with your herbalist, acupuncturist, physician, or other health care provider to get advice that's customized for your unique needs. Above all, trust your intuition and keep reaching out until you find the supportive practitioners that you deserve.

5 Foods to Heal Dry Skin (From The Inside Out!)

What if I told you there was a way to end your dry skin? And it doesn't cost a lot of money, or require expensive creams? 

Dry skin is a very common problem, especially as we age. In just a few years, our youthful glow can turn into a dry, dull, flaky complexion. So we slather ourselves in heavy creams, hoping they'll hold the key to softer skin. In reality, these may clog your pores and only solve part of the problem. 

When dealing with dry skin, it's important that skincare is an inside job as much as it's an outside one. Although not a quick-fix like applying face cream, adding these five foods to your diet will improve your dry skin from the inside out.

Avocados

Healthy fats and oils will add needed moisture and make your skin more supple. So the key to healing your dry skin is to increase the amount of healthy fats (such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil) in your diet. 

Coconut Oil

This is another great fat that can be used topically on your skin, as well as internally. Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory and has a range of benefits. It curbs sugar cravings, and leaves you satisfied longer, which can promote weight loss if that's your goal. Add coconut oil to a smoothie, or use it for cooking. 

Herbal Infusions

You've probably heard that you should drink enough water to hydrate your dry skin, and it's true. But you can also boost your skin's hydration with herbs by drinking caffeine-free herbal infusions. An infusion with rose and marigold (calendula) is especially helpful for dry skin because of the plants' moistening and healing properties.

Salmon

The Omega-3 fats in salmon reduce inflammation in the body, which can also reduce the inflammation and redness in your skin. Vegetarians can find Omega-3s in flaxseed and walnuts.

Homemade Probiotics

We're learning that our gut health is key to our overall health, and it shows on our skin. Instead of buying expensive probiotics, try making your own version. Great-grandma would have called it sauerkraut, but you can make a modern version of this superfood with an assortment of crunchy veggies and serve it as a small side-salad.Have you noticed a connection between your skin and your diet? What are your top tips to beat dry skin?

5 Foods That Make Your Skin Glow

Pumpkin Seeds

Another seed with a powerful skin-beautifying effect, pumpkin seeds get their power from both the beauty mineral, zinc, and essential fatty acids including omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9. Like hemp seeds, they help reduce inflammation in the body. Try them sprinkled on salads, in smoothies, or simply by the handful.







Arugula

This dark, leafy green is an excellent source of two of the keys to gorgeous skin: Vitamin A and sulfur. The chlorophyll in arugula is a potent detoxifier, too.Try a raw arugula salad topped with the rest of the foods on this list for a delicious dish that will get your skin glowing.








Radishes

Raw food advocate David Wolfe claims these are one of the most beautifying of all foods. Radishes contain a number of minerals and compounds that benefit the skin. They are high in sulfur, silicon, and Vitamin C, which work together to create glowing skin by boosting collagen, strengthening skin, and stimulating the circulatory system Slice radishes into salads, or have as a snack on their own or with a dip.






Avocados

This creamy fruit delivers a healthy dose of vitamins on its own. Even better: when you pair avocado with a carotenoid-rich food, such as tomatoes, carrots, or bell peppers, it can help you absorb up to five times more of the antioxidants lycopene and beta carotene.








Hemp Seeds

These tiny little seeds are composed of a massive amount of protein, including the sulfur-bearing amino acids: methionine, cysteine, and cystine, which are used to build strong hair, nails, muscle, and skin.They also have the ideal ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids (1:3), and even include omega 9, which are all strong antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the cause of many of our skin woes, including blemishes and wrinkles, so adding hemp seeds to your diet can help reduce or prevent those skin issues.
Enjoy them on their own, sprinkled in salads, or blended in smoothies.

15 Reasons to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day

Apple cider vinegar is my new obsession. I recently began taking apple cider vinegar shots 2-3 times a day

for a quick and effective energy burst. However, looking deeper into the product, I have discovered so many other useful ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar into a daily repertoire. It is effective for pretty much anything – your skin, your hair, your house, and even your pets can benefit from its qualities. Raw, organic, unfiltered and unpasteurized, apple cider vinegar is so much more than a salad dressing!

1. Apple cider vinegar is a completely natural product. It is made from apple juice and is fermented to hard apple cider. It is then fermented a second time to apple cider vinegar. When using natural apple cider vinegar, we instantly decrease the consumption of unnatural chemicals in our homes and daily lives. 

2. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a rinse for your hair after shampooing, and will aid in increased body and shine. I recommend recycling an old shampoo bottle, then filling it with 1/2 a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a cup of cold water. Pour the solution through your hair after shampooing several times a week for dramatic results. 

3. Natural apple cider vinegar regulates the pH of your skin. Dilute apple cider vinegar with two parts water, and spread the concoction over your face with a cotton ball to replace your current toner. You can do this at night after washing, and in the morning before you apply your moisturizer. A dab of apple cider vinegar can also be left on the skin overnight to fade age spots or acne scars.

It is also a recommended agent for warts. For warts, soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, then fasten the cotton ball over the wart with a Band-Aid overnight. The skin may swell some as it reacts with the solution. However, the wart will fall off. Once it falls off, the treatment should be continued for a few more days, to make sure the wart doesn't return. 

4. Apple cider vinegar can help remove stains from teeth. Rub teeth directly with apple cider vinegar, and rinse out with water.

5. Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath, and soak for 10 minutes to eliminate discomfort from sunburn.

6. Apple Cider vinegar can be used as a natural aftershave. Fill a bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and shake before applying to the face. 

7. Rubbing apple cider vinegar on your hands and feet will give massage-like benefits and relief to tired hands and feet. 

8. Apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss. For daily weight management, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 16 ounces of water. This concoction can be sipped throughout the day. Data shows some limited, yet significant, weight loss benefits from sustained daily intake of acetic acid (which is a main ingredient in apple cider vinegar).

In a 2009 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, it was found that subjects that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks experienced significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides. Triglycerides contribute to the bad cholesterol that we want to avoid.

9. Apple cider Vinegar will balance your entire inner body system. The body constantly strives to achieve a state of equilibrium. Apple cider vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline pH level. Research shows that higher acid levels (lower pH level) leads to a lack of energy and higher incidences of infection. Hence, my desire to sip some a few times a day for a natural boost of energy. 

10. As part of balancing the body's pH, apple cider vinegar creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver. 

11. This miracle vinegar helps to break up mucous throughout the body and cleanse the lymph nodes. Believe it or not, research suggests that apple cider vinegar can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms (sore throats and headaches).

12. This vinegar is rich in natural enzymes that can help rid your body of candida -- yeasts that are attributed to thrush in humans. Candida also is blamed for creating symptoms of fatigue, poor memory, sugar cravings, and yeast infections.

13. Though it might seem like an oxymoron to treat stomach acid with an acid-containing vinegar, there is research suggesting that apple cider vinegar works by correcting low acid, hence reducing heartburn. Natural remedy experts say you should begin to feel relief very shortly after taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar followed by a glass of water. Note that apple cider vinegar will not give relief if you have an ulcer.  

14. The use of apple cider vinegar is effective in repelling fleas on your pets. One part vinegar and one part water can be sprayed on your pets fur and rubbed in generously to the skin. Saturate the entire coat, and continue every day for a few days to a week. Any flea infestation will surely be gone. 

15. Apple cider vinegar will clean your toilets and have your bathroom smelling like apples! Just pour apple cider vinegar into the toilet, and allow it to sit overnight. It can also be used in dishwashers as a substitute for dish detergent. Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water, and you can use this solution to clean microwaves, kitchen surfaces, windows, glasses and mirrors, too.  

As you can see, apple cider vinegar is a miracle product that cab be used in a multitude of ways. I highly recommend its use!

Top 5 Herbs For Glowing & Gorgeous Skin

Everyone wants to achieve glowing, gorgeous and perfect skin. Often we go about it the wrong way and

apply harmful chemical laden synthetic beauty products that end up causing more harm than good.

If you want to make a real and lasting change for your skin, opt for natural alternatives such as these magical herbal agents.

1. Chamomile

Chamomile is one of nature’s miracles. It has an incredible number of benefits, and none more so than for our skin. Alpha-bisabolol – a compound found in chamomile – reportedly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by accelerating the healing process of the skin while also possessing anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a cooled cup of chamomile tea as a face wash or applying the tea bags onto your skin are two of the most effective ways to take advantage of chamomile as a natural skin healer.

2. Witch Hazel

Produced from the leaves and bark of the North American Witch Hazel shrub, millions of people swear by witch hazel for its acne relieving properties. Witch hazel is an anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce inflammation of pimples. It also clears away excess sebum without drying out the skin too much. Witch hazel is also an astringent meaning it helps to tighten skin tissue and can reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is another of the more popular herbs for treating skin. Applied most commonly as a gel, women use aloe vera gel prior to applying make-up to keep skin moisturized while men often apply to skin after shaving to rehydrate and treat small cuts. Like witch hazel, aloe vera is another important natural remedy in the fight against acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce pimple size while its anti-microbial properties kill bacteria. Rich in vitamin C and E – two of the most important vitamins for our skin – aloe vera is another of nature’s miracles for achieving healthy, gorgeous skin.

4. Calendula

Calendula is a garden plant in the daisy family that, like aloe vera and witch hazel, has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It is also a vulnerary agent that helps to heal wounds and soothe damaged skin, such as sunburn, cuts and scrapes. Many have also used calendula oil to treat eczema. 

5. Lavender

Lavender may be more famous for its relaxing effects of the mind, but it also helps to soothe skin, too. It is rich in a compound called linalool that assists with skin healing while also preventing tissue degeneration keeping skin firm and preventing wrinkles. To make lavender even more of an anti-aging wonder, it encourages the growth of new skin cells due to its cytophylactic properties. Lavender also helps to heal wounds, scar tissue, acne, eczema and problem skin. Being anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-toxic, anti-bacterial and an anti-septic just serves to show how incredible lavender is for skin.

Our skin is the largest organ we possess so looking after it is of the utmost importance. Avoid harmful chemical laden treatments and instead turn to the wonderful herbs Mother Nature has to offer us.

How to Make a Pore Mask

Large, dark pores make your skin look less than desirable and leave you feeling self-conscious. There's no

need to spend hundreds of dollars or run to your local spa to find a magic cure-all when you can make your own pore mask right at home with only a few ingredients right from your kitchen. Kiss your unsightly pores goodbye after using these at-home recipes.

Things You'll Need

Small bowl

Spoon

2 tablespoons rolled oats

2 tablespoons yogurt

Water

Lemon juice

1 egg

Instructions

Yogurt Oat Mask

1

Wash your face as you normally would to remove dirt, oil and makeup, then pat it dry.

2

Mix 2 tablespoons of rolled oats and 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt in a small bowl until it's blended completely. Refrigerate the mix for three or so hours.

3

Apply the mix all over the face using your fingers and leave it on up to 30 minutes. Cover the entire face, ensuring more coverage on the nose and anywhere else the pores are large and/or dark. The mix of yogurt and oats leaves the skin smooth while removing impurities.

4

Rinse the mix off with cool water. Add in a few drops of lemon juice to tighten the pores, and pat the face dry with a soft towel.

Egg and Lemon Juice Mask

5

Wash face thoroughly to remove any makeup and pat it dry.

6

Beat one egg white with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a small bowl until the mix is smooth and creamy.

7

Apply to the face with your fingers and leave it on until you feel the mix begin to tighten your skin. This mix will shrink the pores while tightening the skin.

8

Rinse off the mask with tepid water after it has dried. Splash face with cool water and then pat the skin dry.

Homemade Facials for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne affects many people, young and old. The beauty and skin care industry has developed countless acne-

fighting products and acne-treatment systems, and day spas offer many facial treatments that target acne. These may be expensive and are not always guaranteed to work on everyone's skin. For an easy and inexpensive solution to fight your stubborn acne, try a homemade facial with natural ingredients.

Things You'll Need

Yogurt

Sea salt

Baking soda

Water

Egg whites

Honey

Green tea

Tea-tree oil

Moisturizer

Lemon or papaya juice (optional)

Rolled oats (optional)

Cool water

Instructions

1

Use plain yogurt as a cleanser. Plain yogurt is a good facial cleanser because it contains lactic acid. Lactic acid breaks down dirt and bacteria on the skin that can clog pores and cause acne. Use the yogurt just like you would use a commercial cleanser. Massage it into the skin for about five minutes and then rinse with cool water.

2

Exfoliate the skin with a homemade exfoliation paste made of sea salt, baking soda and water. Mix a few spoonfuls of sea salt with one spoonful of baking soda, then add just enough water to create a paste-like substance. Massage the paste into the skin for 10 minutes and then rinse with cold water. The salt is cleansing and healing to acne-prone skin and will scuff off dry skin cells. The baking soda will clear the skin of harmful toxins and make popping pimples easier.

3

Create an acne-fighting mask by mixing equal parts honey and yogurt with the whites of two or three eggs. Apply the mask to the face for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with cool water. Each of these ingredients clean the skin and help fight acne.

4

Use some brewed green tea as a natural astringent. Dab some on the skin an allow it to dry before continuing on to the next step.

5

Dab tea-tree oil on parts of the skin affected by acne. It is a natural antibacterial and is very beneficial to skin plagued by acne.

6

Apply your regular moisturizer to the skin to complete your homemade facial.

Tips & Warnings

Add lemon or papaya juice to the yogurt cleanser if your skin is especially oily.

Add rolled oats to the mask for a hydrating effect.

Only perform this facial once a week at most. Doing it more may cause damage to the skin.

Homemade Facial Mask Recipe for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

Whipping up a facial mask using everyday ingredients from the kitchen is simple and can be done quickly

. Using a homemade mask once or twice a week is cost effective and gives the skin a break from harsh chemicals found in many skin care products, particularly those that target acne. For instance, cucumber juice is a soothing and healing aid to the irritation that acne products can cause.

Things You'll Need

1/2 cup finely ground oatmeal

1/2 ripe apple

1/4 cucumber

2 tablespoons milk

Kitchen blender

Instructions

Cucumber-Apple Mask

1

In a blender, finely grind 1 cup or more of regular oatmeal down to 1/2 cup.

2

Chop the apple and cucumber into chunks and put into a blender with the rest of the ingredients.

3

Blend to a smooth paste and apply evenly to clean skin, keeping clear of eye area. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing well with lukewarm water. Follow up with a few splashes of cold water.

Apple-Honey Mask

4

Grate 1 medium sized apple finely and mix in 5 tbsp of slightly heated honey.

5

Apply evenly to clean skin, staying clear of the eye area and let sit for 10 minutes.

6

Rinse well with lukewarm and then cool water.

Pumpkin Mask for Oily Skin

7

Combine 1 cup pureed pumpkin, 1 egg white beaten to soft peaks and 1 tsp honey.

8

Spread evenly over face, avoiding the eye area and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

9

Rinse with lukewarm and then a few splashes of cool water.

Gentle Egg White Mask for Oily Skin

10

Combine 1 egg white whipped to a foam and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice.

11

Apply to face, avoiding eye area. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then apply a second layer.

12

Sit for another 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Finish off with a splash of cold water. This mask acts as a temporary face lift in addition to removing excess oil.

Tips & Warnings

Homemade mask varieties are unlimited. Learn which ingredients are good for a particular skin condition and put together your own version.

A good everyday mask for all skin types is plain honey. Spread a little on and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with warm and then cool water.

Use egg white as a spot remedy. Pat onto individual pimples and let sit overnight. Rinse well in the morning. The egg white acts as a gentle exfoliate and cleanser.

Enjoy this time and use it to relax while the mask does its work. Lie down and think about 

something pleasant.

Homemade Acne Masks

Acne breakouts occur on the skin when the sebum, or skin's natural oil, becomes overactive. This over-

activity leads to clogged pores, resulting in pimples and other breakouts of blackheads and whiteheads. Acne facial masks help reduce or control acne breakouts by removing excess oils from the skin and cleansing and tightening pores. Even though you can purchase acne masks at the store or from your dermatologist, you can make homemade facial masks that are just as effective and cost less.

Things You'll Need

Pot

1 cup distilled water

5 dried bay leaves

Strainer

Bowls

4 tbsp. French clay

Spoons

Washcloths

Towels

Knife

Tomato

Food processor

1 tbsp. instant oatmeal

1 tsp. lemon juice

Instructions

Bay Leaf and French Clay Acne Facial Mask

1

Boil 1 cup distilled water, then remove the pot from the stove. Add 5 dried bay leaves and allow them to steep until the water is completely cooled.

2

Pour the bay leaf liquid through a strainer and discard the leaves.

3

Place 4 tbsp. French clay in a bowl and slowly add the bay leaf liquid to the clay. Stir constantly, until you're no longer able to stir the thick mixture. Manipulate the clay mixture to make sure all ingredients are well mixed.

4

Smooth the bay leaf and French clay acne facial mask onto the skin. Allow the mask to remain on the skin until it becomes dry and starts to crack. The French clay will draw impurities and toxins out of the skin while removing oils and giving you a healthy-looking complexion, says the Pioneer Thinking website.

5

Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and wipe the dried facial mask off the skin. Splash lukewarm water over the face to make sure all traces of the mask are removed, then pat the skin dry.

Tomato-Oatmeal Acne Facial Mask

6

Chop one whole, fresh tomato and place it in a food processor. Tomato and tomato products such as tomato sauce or juice help shrink large pores and tighten the skin.

7

Add 1 tbsp. instant oatmeal and 1 tsp. lemon juice to the food processor and puree the mixture until it forms a paste. Oatmeal soothes the skin, cleanses excess oils and helps reduce blemishes and breakouts.

8

Apply the tomato-oatmeal facial mask to the skin and leave it on for 10 minutes, according to the Natural Home Remedies website.

9

Rinse the facial mask off the skin with lukewarm water, then pat dry.

Tips & Warnings

When possible used distilled water for homemade skin care products because it has been processed to remove chemicals and impurities.

See a dermatologist for severe acne breakouts that do not respond to any at-home or over-the-counter remedies.

How to Make Homemade Masks to Tighten Large Pores

If you have large pores that need tightening but you don't want to spend a fortune, you can make homemade

face masks that will do the job by using household ingredients. Many food items such as citrus fruits and milk have natural components that soothe your skin while emptying and tightening your pores.

Things You'll Need

Lime

Egg whites

Whisk

Honey

Milk

Lemon

Flour

Banana

Orange juice

Instructions

1

Cut a small lime in half and squeeze it into two egg whites. Whisk together and use your fingertips to apply the mixture to your face. Allow to dry and apply a new layer. Rinse off with water after 20 minutes and pat dry.

2

Beat an egg white until it is foamy. Stir in a spoonful of honey, a splash of fresh milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Add flour a pinch at a time, until it's thick. Apply to your face and leave on until it dries. Rinse with warm water.

3

Mash a banana with a fork until it is smooth and creamy. Add a tbsp. of honey and a splash of orange juice. Mix well and apply to problem areas. Leave on for a half hour before rinsing with warm water.

How to Make Masks to Help Close Pores

Pores do not actually open or close but instead stay the same size. When your pores are clogged with

sebum, an oily substance from sebaceous glands, or dead skin cells, many people refer to your pores as open. Astringents, such as lemon juice and honey, cause facial swelling, giving a closed, or smaller, appearance. You can use a variety of masks to create a temporary irritant allowing you to get the look that is commonly misconstrued as closed pores. These masks temporarily minimize the appearance of pores.

Things You'll Need

Hair clips

Cleanser

Towel

Small bowl

Egg

Lemon juice

Oatmeal

Baking soda

Honey

Cucumber

Blender

Instructions

Mask Application

1

Clip your hair out of the way and clean your face with a mild cleanser before applying any mask.

2

Apply a mask with your fingertips to your entire face, leaving holes around each eye. The skin around your eyes is sensitive, so leave plenty of room.

3

Pat the mask onto your face gently. Rubbing roughly may irritate the skin.

4

Remove the mask by rinsing it off your face as much as possible instead of scrubbing it off. Don't leave the mask on longer than the recommended time.

5

Pat skin dry -- don't rub -- after rinsing off the mask. Masks make skin more sensitive; rubbing can aggravate your skin.

Egg White Mask

6

Beat 1 egg white in a small bowl.

7

Add 2 tsp. lemon juice and mix well.

8

Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 10 minutes. This mask will give you a tingling sensation as it works.

9

Rinse the mask off and dry your face.

Oatmeal Mask

10

Mix 3 tsps. fine oatmeal and 1 tsp. baking soda.

11

Add water to form a thick paste.

12

Apply generously to your face.

13

Rinse the mask away after 20 minutes.

Cucumber Mask

14

Mix 1 tsp. honey, 1/4 of a medium cucumber (peeled) and 1 tbsp. water in a blender.

15

Strain the mask mixture so it is smooth.

16

Stir in 2 tsp. ground oatmeal and 1 tsp. wheat germ.

17

Apply to face and let the mask sit for 20 minutes.

18

Remove the mask and pat face dry.

Recommended Strengths for Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential for people who will be exposed to the sun's rays because it protects the skin from

damage, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, the Nemours Foundation for KidsHealth and the Skin Cancer Foundation. Sunscreens are given numbers that correspond with the amount of sun energy it would take to burn skin once the sunscreen has been applied. It would take 15 times longer to get a sunburn than normal while wearing SPF 15 sunscreen, for example.

SPF 15

SPF 15 is the minimum strength recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. According to that group, SPF 15 is enough protection for adults with normal skin complexions. Experts at the Skin Cancer Foundation say that sunscreens containing SPF 15 block 93 percent of the sun's UVB rays. There is currently no way to measure how much of the sun's UVA rays are blocked by sunscreen, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. However, SPF 15 sunscreen may not be adequate during extreme conditions, such as the hottest parts of the day or in regions near the equator.

SPF 30

Sunscreen lotions, creams and sprays containing SPF 30 block 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. SPF 30 is a better choice than SPF 15 for people with fair complexions, skin diseases or skin conditions.

SPF 50

Sunscreens containing SPF 50 offer only 1 percent more protection from the skin's UVB rays than SPF 30 sunscreens, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. SPF 50 sunscreens mean the skin is protected from 98 percent of these rays. These sunscreens might be best for use on the face or for people with skin diseases.

How to Fix Sun-Damaged Skin

Everyone's skin experiences some degree of sun damage. Though fair-skinned individuals are more susceptible to sun damage, all skin tones get damaged by sun exposure. Even a light suntan is a sign of skin damage. While it's important to prevent future sun damage by protecting your skin from the sun's rays, you can also take steps to correct the damage already done to your skin. If you employ a dedicated regime, you can effectively fix sun damaged skin.

Instructions

1

Wear sunscreen daily. To effectively fix sun-damaged skin, you must protect it from the sun. If you don't, all your efforts to correct the existing damage will be thwarted. Wear a high-SPF sunscreen on all exposed skin daily, regardless of the weather. Make sure your sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays.

2

Apply bleaching cream to your skin. Bleaching cream will lighten sun spots, freckles and areas of darker pigmentation. Because sun damage often manifests itself as darkened areas of skin, bleaching cream can help to fix the damage. You must use bleaching cream regularly for at least eight weeks before seeing results. You can find bleaching cream in most beauty supply and drug stores.

3

Get chemical peels. Chemicals will be applied that react with the top layers of your skin, effectively burning them away. Your skin will look younger, smoother and firmer once it heals. Regular chemical peels can significantly improve sun-damaged skin.

4

Try microdermabrasion. A licensed technician will use a small device that resembles a sandblaster on your skin. The top layers of your skin are buffed away to reveal younger, less damaged skin. Oftentimes, repeated microdermabrasion sessions are needed to achieve desired results.

5

Consider laser therapy. Laser light is used to burn away the top layers of your skin, removing sun-damaged portions. Laser therapy also encourages collagen production so your skin will look firmer and younger after treatments. Lasers are effective at fixing various degrees of sun damage, including wrinkles, sun spots, fine lines and areas of hyperpigmentation.

Tips & Warnings

Wear sun-protective clothing if you'll be outside for extended periods of time.

Laser therapy can be painful and expensive.